Ideal Meals for Older Adults Who Have Celiac Disease

By Erik Gans, 9:00 am on October 18, 2018

Seniors living with celiac disease don’t need to experience the displeasure of having dull meals. There are many savory gluten-free recipes available that also provide a wealth of health benefits. Encourage your senior loved one to give a few of the following dishes a try.

Vegetable Egg Scramble

Just about any diced vegetable can be added to eggs before scrambling to make a colorful and healthy dish. Consider adding diced tomatoes, diced green peppers, chopped onions, and mushrooms to the mix. Scramble the eggs in a splash of olive oil for omega-3 fatty acids. Eggs are an excellent source of protein. Try topping the dish with gluten-free cheese to increase the protein. The vegetables added provide several vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Serve the eggs with gluten-free crackers or gluten-free toasted bread.

If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Milford home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.

Tuna Salad with Gluten-Free Crackers

Combine a large can of tuna with avocado, onion, garlic, diced cucumbers, and celery all moistened with lime juice. Serve the salad with gluten-free crackers and apple slices on the side. Tuna is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids. This light meal also provides an abundance of fiber to keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy. The variety of fruits and vegetables offer a boost of vitamins and minerals, and the onion and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties and lower cholesterol levels.

Chicken, Bean, and Spinach Stew

Make a stew using diced chicken, white beans, baby spinach leaves, and diced tomatoes, seasoning it with onion, garlic, and thyme. Browning the chicken with a little olive oil provides omega-3 fatty acids. The combination of vegetables is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and other nutrients, while the beans and chicken offer much-needed protein.

Black Bean and Squash Chili

Create the chili using black beans, diced tomatoes, winter squash, diced bell pepper, green chilies, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth. Start by sautéing the vegetables in olive oil. Add chili powder and oregano to spice the meal up. The squash adds just the right touch of sweetness. The beans fulfill protein needs, while the vegetables offer vitamins A, C, and other nutrients. This dish has plenty of fiber and lowers cholesterol.

Tomato Cups

Scramble eggs in butter or olive oil, add slices of linked sausage, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the mix. Remove the tops and inner cores of tomatoes and stuff with the egg, sausage, and cheese mixture. Top with more cheese and a dash of basil. Bake the tomatoes for 10 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts. The eggs and sausage provide protein, the cheese offers calcium, and the tomatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Milford, CT, Home Care Assistance is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.

Chicken Enchiladas

On gluten-free tortillas, spread shredded chicken, low-fat sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Roll the tortillas and place in a baking dish. Top with salsa and cheddar cheese and bake until the cheese melts. The chicken and cheese provide protein, while the salsa features anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich vegetables and nutrients.

From preparing nutritious meals to performing simple housekeeping tasks, older adults often need help with several activities. Milford elder care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. To talk to one of our friendly Care Managers and learn more about our premier care plans, call Home Care Assistance at (203) 444-8575 today.